LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the delivery of 11,406 PACT Act-related disability compensation claims to veterans and survivors in Arkansas.
This will mark the department's 1 millionth grant since President Biden signed the bill into law on Aug. 10, 2022. Since then, more than 5,519 veterans in Arkansas have signed up for VA health care and the VA has delivered over $67,605,768.57 in PACT Act claims to Arkansas veterans & survivors.
The PACT Act expanded healthcare and benefits to millions of veterans, while also adding “presumptive” service connections for conditions linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards.
These presumptions lower the burden of proof required to receive disability benefits, helping veterans get the benefits they need as quickly as possible.
“Thanks to President Biden, the Veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards while serving our country are now being taken care of for the conditions that followed them home from war,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Whenever a Veteran gets a claim granted, it means life-changing monthly payments and access to no-cost VA health care for that condition. We’re proud that we’ve granted 1 million PACT Act-related claims for Veterans and survivors, but we won’t rest until every Veteran and every survivor gets the VA health care and benefits they deserve.”
The average nationwide service connection rate for veterans with these granted claims is 70%, meaning they receive more than $20,000 in earned benefits payments each year.
“Thanks to the PACT Act, VA is delivering more benefits to more Veterans than ever before,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. “We encourage all toxic-exposed Veterans and their survivors to apply today for care and benefits at VA.gov/PACT. When you apply, we will stop at nothing to get you the benefits you’ve earned.”
The VA is currently processing benefits claims at the fastest rate in history, delivering them more quickly to more veterans than ever before.
Moving forward, the VA plans to continue aggressively reaching out to veterans to encourage them to learn more about the benefits available to them.